Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device including vibrating element may be used for various forms of exercise such as strength training, physical therapy, balance training, massage, stretching, yoga, pilates and other exercise. The device includes at least one vibrating motor or other vibration means and a user may control the vibration direction, amplitude and frequency through the use of a control panel disposed on one end of the exercise device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to an exercise device. The exercise device may take one of many shapes, but in each embodiment includes at least one vibration element. Generally, the exercise device may vibrate at various amplitudes and frequencies.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exist other apparatus in the prior art for use in exercise, stretching, massage, myofascial release, balance training, strength training and core strengthening. Still additional apparatus of various shapes are used for balance training, yoga and pilates, stretching and strength training.

Vibrating elements have been used in various devices. Back massagers, old style “belt” machines, portable telephones and various other devices include vibrating elements. However, in the prior art, exercise devices generally take the form of various foam shapes such as “foam rollers” or “yoga blocks” and do not include any vibrating elements. The inclusion of one or more vibrating element results in significant benefit in many of the activities during which foam (or other material) shapes are used.

The use of a vibrating element on muscles increases blood flow due to capillary dilation, increases oxygen and nutrient consumption by muscles and improves regeneration of damaged tissue. Additionally, a vibrating device is less stable when used for support, for example by arms during a “push-up.” Therefore, the vibrating device is suitable for causing additional muscle work in order to balance in additional to the act of the “push-up” itself. This increases the effectiveness of the strength training.

For these reasons and others, there exists in the prior art a need for a vibrating exercise device suitable for use in various types of training, massage and stretching. The devices of the prior art do not satisfy this need and therefore the present invention provides distinct benefits over the prior art. These benefits and other benefits will become apparent in the description of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an exercise device, more particularly, an exercise foam (or other material) device including one or more vibrating elements embedded within the device. The exercise device may be used for activities as varied as physical therapy, strength training, yoga, relaxation and various other activities. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides numerous benefits over the prior art.

The present invention is an exercise device, typically taking the form of a foam circular elongated cylinder. Various other shapes and materials may be used in alternative embodiments. The present invention overcomes the prior art through its inclusion of at least one vibrating element within the device. The present invention also includes controls whereby a user may activate, deactivate and select the frequency and amplitude of the vibration.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for use in various forms of exercise. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device which increases blood flow, muscle relaxation, aids in balance and strength training. It is a further object of the present invention to provide numerous shapes for various uses of the exercise device.

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention, both as to structure and method of the operation thereof, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be understood from the following description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and they are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, made up of FIGS. 1A and 1B, are depictions of the device of the present invention in perspective and a cross-sectional view, respectively.

FIG. 2, made up of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, are each depictions of various embodiments of the entire vibration element for various embodiments of the exercise device.

FIG. 3, made up of FIGS. 3A and 3B, show the internal components of the vibration elements and the exterior casing for the vibration element, respectively.

FIG. 4, made up of FIGS. 4A through 4G, show various forms which the present invention may take.

FIG. 5, made up of FIGS. 5A through 5D show additional forms the present invention may take.

FIG. 6 is an example of a control panel as used in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is used in order to stretch, strengthen muscles, increase balance or to perform various types of rehabilitation, for example, after injury. As is known in the art, devices of varying densities and compression levels may be used for different results. In general, the device may be used between a part of the body and the ground, typically for rolling along a portion of the body for stretching or to increase blood flow. Alternatively, the device may be placed under a portion of the body in order to intentionally allow it to move, requiring additional strength in order to hold the body steady and, thus, increasing strength and balance training.

Similarly, the present device may be used in conjunction with a stretching regimen in order to allow individuals to stretch or more-thoroughly stretch portions of the body. For example, some muscles of the back and legs are not capable of being stretched without suspending the body portion over an edge. This device may act as that edge in a safe, padded way. Thus, the present device, allows a user to stretch, while also increasing blood flow and allowing for greater stretching through the use of vibration, as described above.

Referring first to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As can be seen the device takes the form of an elongated cylinder in the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the device is approximately 18 to 48 inches long and 4 to 10 inches in diameter. However, any size and shape may be made. It is to be understood that the present invention may take many forms, this form is only intended to be an example. FIGS. 4 and 5 in particular show various embodiments that the present invention may take.

The present invention includes various elements. FIG. 1A shows the padded exterior 10 and the control panel 12. In the preferred embodiment, the padded exterior 10 is one of various types of “foam.” These types of foam are well-known in the art. Various foams may be made of plastic-derivatives, padded cloth materials and other types. The control panel 12 allows the user to control the amplitude and frequency of vibration.

Typically, the material which makes up the padded exterior 10 will be designed with a particular density such that it collapses under a predetermined level of weight. For some purposes, the density is very high, such that the padded exterior 10 will not collapse under even a great deal of pressure. In other cases, the density will be very low, such that the padded exterior 10 collapses almost completely under very little weight. In some instances, the padded exterior 10 of the exercise device may use materials which do not collapse under pressure whatsoever. Additionally, the padded exterior 10 may be covered by a removable cover made up of cloth, such as velvet, velour, cotton or other reusable material.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The control panel 12 and the padded exterior 10 can also be seen in this figure. In this cross section, the remaining elements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be seen. The motor casing 14 may be seen at one end of the device, near the control panel 12. A ridge 15, used to keep the motor and other internal components in place, is present in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The motor casing 14 includes electric coils 16 and magnets 18 which make up motor. The motor may take many forms, however, in various embodiments. The motor may be a piezoelectric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or various other means for causing vibration. However, in the preferred embodiment, the present invention uses an electromagnetic eccentric motor, as depicted in FIG. 1B. The electromagnetic eccentric motor may take one of various forms, the motor depicted here is only for purposes of example.

The control panel 12 includes, at least, an on-off switch. A user may depress or enable the switch to cause the device to vibrate. In the preferred embodiment, the control panel 12 also includes a knob or several buttons which may be used to indicate the frequency of the vibration. In embodiments which utilize multiple motors or motors capable of varying amplitudes, a knob or button allowing for alteration of amplitude may also be provided on the control panel 12. Similarly, in the case in which multiple motors are used, the control panel 12 will provide control functionality for each of the motors. An example control panel 12 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.

In alternative embodiments, the motor may in fact me a multiplicity of motors. Additionally, the motor need not include counterweights and may, instead, use cams. Additionally, the motor may be oriented such that vibration of various types is created. In the preferred embodiment, the motor is oriented parallel to the exercise device's elongated axis 19. This orientation results in vibration that is perpendicular and radial to the elongated axis 19. In alternative embodiments, a motor may be oriented transverse, resulting in radial transverse vibration parallel to the elongated axis 19.

Additionally, the vibrations may vary dependent upon the motor type. The vibrations may be oscillating, linear reciprocating or orbital depending upon the type of motor or other vibration means used. Combinations of motors of the same type in different orientations or of different types in various orientations maybe used to provide oscillations of different frequencies and amplitudes. The motor or motors may also include or take the form of a wind-up spring, a hand or foot pump, magnetic motors, use hydraulic pressure, for example, from a pressurized water line, in order to induce vibration.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the motor shaft 20 extends throughout the entire device and is adjacent to a motor stabilizer 22. In the preferred embodiment the motor stabilizer 22 consists of a cylindrical insertion, taking up the entirety of the space within the inner chamber for a relatively small space along the elongated axis 19. Additionally, the motor stabilizer 22 may be hollow, aside from the holes through which the motor shaft 20 passes, The motor stabilizer 22 in some embodiments may include or take the form of one or more ball bearings or roller bearings. In these embodiments, the motor shaft 20 may pass through to reduce friction as the motor shaft 20 turns. The motor stabilizer 22 includes a counterweight 24 in order to create the vibration as the motor turns.

In alternative embodiments, the motor stabilizer 22 may extend throughout the entire inner chamber and include one or more counterweights. However, in the preferred embodiment, the motor stabilizer 22 ends and a hollow chamber 26, making up part of the inside of the device including the motor shaft 20, is present in addition to another counterweight 28 within a second motor stabilizer 25.

Finally, an additional ridge 27 may be seen. This ridge 27, along with the previous ridge 15 are short extensions of a hardened material (such as plastic) into the padded exterior 10 such that the interior and exterior remain connected and so that the interior portions, such as the motor casing 14 and motor stabilizer 28 do not exit through one end of the padded exterior 10.

In the preferred embodiment, rechargeable batteries are included within the hollow chamber 26 or within one or more of the motor stabilizers, such as motor stabilizer 22 to provide power to the motor. In the preferred embodiment, the batteries may be recharged without removing them from the device, by plugging the device into a standard 120 volt (or 220 volt in some foreign countries) outlet. In embodiments where batteries are used, a light indicia of the amount of charge remaining may be used.

In alternative embodiments, the device may plug into an A/C or D/C current. The device may also or alternatively use non-rechargeable batteries or be connected to a 12-volt car battery by means of a car cigarette lighter. Thus, various power supply and battery recharging options may be used to supply power to the one or more motors used to cause vibration in the exercise device.

Referring now to FIG. 2A-2C, a series of alternative embodiments for the internal portion of the exercise device are shown. FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of the internal portion 29 of the exercise device. The exterior face 30 is exposed to the outside when the internal portion 29 is enclosed within the padded exterior 10 so that the user may access the control panel 32 including all controls for the vibration element.

The ridge 34 in this embodiment is visible along with a recessed area 36 into which the padded exterior may be applied. The recessed area 36 along with the ridge 34 allow the padded exterior to stay in place once the internal portion 29 is combined with the padded exterior. In the preferred embodiment, foam, making up the padded exterior, is molded into the recessed area and over the ridge 34 in order to ensure that the padded exterior remains fixed. The large center casing 38 may include one or more motors or motor stabilizers along with the motor shaft 20 (see FIG. 1).

In this embodiment, the internal portion 29 also includes an additional recessed area 40 and an additional ridge 42 for use in securing the padded exterior (not shown) to the internal portion 29. As with ridge 34, the ridge 42 is at or near the end of the exercise device. This allows the user access to the internal portion 29. In some embodiments, batteries may be placed behind the control panel 32, while in other embodiments, batteries or an electrical plug or other powering means may be affixed to the end corresponding to ridge 42.

In some cases, the motor may generate heat as it operates. In some embodiments, openings in form of slots, holes or louvers may be included on the face of ridge 42 or control panel 32 to allow heat to escape from the interior. In this way, the motor and other internal elements may be kept from generating excess heat.

A very similar embodiment is shown in FIG. 2B. In this embodiment, the interior portion 43 is triangle-shaped. The triangle shape corresponds to the shape of the padded exterior. As with the previous embodiment, the exterior face 44 is shown, including the control panel 46. A ridge 47 and recessed area 48 are shown. These are both used to secure the interior portion 43 to the padded exterior. The center casing 50 may contain the motor or one or more motor stabilizers as seen in FIG. 1B. An additional recessed area 52 and ridge 54 are used in a manner similar to those previously described.

In FIG. 2C, yet another alternative shape for the internal portion 55 of the exercise device is shown. This internal portion 55 is square shaped in cross-section. The face 56 includes the control panel 58. A ridge 59 and recessed area 60 allow the internal portion 55 to remain fixed to the padded exterior. The center casing is also shown, serving similar functions to those described above. An additional recessed area 64 and ridge 66 may be used to keep the internal portion 55 in place within the padded exterior.

It is to be understood that these recesses are only one of the ways in which the padded exterior may be kept in place relative to the internal portion. Additional means may be used, such as round recessed areas, different indentations, ridges or other irregular areas such that the padded exterior may be securely fastened to the internal portion 55.

Each of these shapes, seen in FIGS. 2A-2C correspond to example padded exterior shapes. As can be understood, the interior portions may take any shape, corresponding to the desired shape of the exercise device. This is intended to provide a device which supports a user evenly throughout use. If the interior portion does not correspond to the exterior, the device may unevenly respond to pressure from a user and result in a poor user experience.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, the interior components of the interior portion of the exercise device are shown in perspective view. The motor 68 is supplied with power through any number of means. As described above, the power may be of various levels, each controlled by the associated control panel, such that the motor 68 spins at various speeds. The motor shaft 70 extends outward through the exercise device. The shaft 70 includes one or more counterweights 72 in order to create the vibration. In alternative embodiments, combination motor, counterweights may be used such that they are both enclosed within a single small enclosure. Multiple integrated motors and counterweights may be used as well.

The motor stabilizer 74 primarily serves to keep the shaft 70 stable and to sit snugly within the interior of the exercise device. Additional counterweights may be within the motor stabilizer 74. In some embodiments, the motor stabilizer 74 may include or take the form of one or more of various types of ball bearings or roller bearings to reduce friction.

Counterweight 76 may be used to add additional vibration to the device. Finally motor stabilizer 78 may provide additional stabilization and may be hollow so as to contain additional counterweights, ball bearings or roller bearings. In some embodiments, motor stabilizer 78 may, in fact, be a separate additional motor, a ball bearing or roller bearing.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, the vibratory element casing 80 may be seen. As can be seen, each of the components resides within the casing 80. The motor 68, the counterweight 72, the motor stabilizer 74 and motor stabilizer 78 are all enclosed within the casing. The casing 80 serves to protect each of the components from moisture and compression forces. The casing 80 also ensures that each of the components stay in alignment. In this way the casing 80 serves to enable proper performance of the exercise device.

FIGS. 4 and 5, made up of 4A-4G and 5A-5F respectively, depict various alternative embodiments for the present invention. In FIG. 4A, the first embodiment, shown as the round exercise device 82 includes the padded exterior 84 and the circular vibrating element 86. In the preferred embodiment, the vibrating element 86 includes a control panel on the exterior of one end. This round exercise device 82 takes the form of an extended cylindrical padded tube.

FIG. 4B shows an egg-shaped exercise device 88. The device is egg-shaped in that a cross-section of the device of this shape appears similar to a cross-section of a chicken egg. Again, the padded exterior 90 and vibrating element 92 are shown. Next, FIG. 4C shows a square exercise device 94 and a rectangular exercise device 100 are shown. These are square and rectangular, respectively, in cross-section. The padded exterior 96 and padded exterior 102 surround the square vibrating element 98 and rectangular vibrating element 104, respectively.

FIG. 4D shows a cylindrical exercise device with raised portions 106. This device 106 includes the typical padded exterior 108 and vibrating element 110 (in the preferred embodiment with a control panel on the exterior). However, this embodiment includes raised portions 112 useful for applying uneven pressure and vibration to various portions of the body while exercising, stretching or otherwise using the device.

FIG. 4E discloses yet another alternative embodiment of the device, a half-round exercise device 114. The half round device 114 appears as half of a circle in cross-section. The padded exterior 118 and vibrating element 110 are also present, as in prior embodiments. FIG. 4F shows a three-quarter round exercise device 120, which appears to be ¾ of a circle in cross-section. The device 120 includes the padded exterior 122 and the vibrating element 124, extending through the padded exterior 122. Finally, FIG. 4G shows an oblong exercise device 126. This device 126 is a slightly-widened half-round device. This device 126 includes the padded exterior 128 and vibrating element 130 seen in each of the prior embodiments.

FIG. 5A is yet another alternative embodiment of a triangle device 132 including the padded exterior 134 and vibrating element 136. FIG. 5B shows a wedge device 138 including a correspondingly-shaped padded exterior 140 and vibrating element 142. The wedge device 138 is most typically used in physical therapy situations, often in knee rehabilitation after injury or surgery.

The next device, shown in FIG. 5C is the cylindrical device with ridges 144. The device 144 includes a padded exterior 146 and the vibrating element 148. This device 144 is essentially the round device 82 of FIG. 4A, further including ridges, such as ridge 150. The ridges are made up of additional padded material. The ridges serve to add additional pressure in small regular intervals around the device.

The next embodiment, shown in FIG. 5D, is the star exercise device 152. This device includes the padded exterior 154 and the vibrating element 156 of other embodiments. It also includes a series of rounded protrusions, extending throughout the length of the device 152. These protrusions, such as protrusion 158, are wider and more curved ridges for use in providing extra pressure at larger intervals than shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5C.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a depiction of an example control panel 164 is shown as from it's front. The control panel 164 is shown as installed within the exercise device. The padded exterior 160 is shown in the largest outer area as seen from the angle shown. The next is the motor casing 162. This portion of the device contains the motor or motors used to create the vibration. In the preferred embodiment, the control panel 164 is, typically, affixed to one end of this casing 162.

In the preferred embodiment, the control panel is round so as to correspond to the shape of the motor casing 162. However, as various types of casings may be used in exercise devices of various sizes and shapes, the control panel 164 may take on any number of cross-sectional shapes. It is to be understood that the shape, elements and design of the control pane 164 depicted is an example. Other additional elements or fewer elements may be provided in order to add additional functionality or to provide for simpler operation of the exercise device. Similarly, various shapes or designs may be used in order to provide different aesthetic or functional purposes.

The control panel 164 includes an on/off switch 166. The on/off switch 166 is used to power the motors within the casing 162 on and off. In the preferred embodiment, the switch 166 is depressed to activate and depressed a second time to deactivate the motors. As can be understood, switches of various other types may be used.

Next, a battery life indicator 168 is shown. The indicator 168 takes the form of several light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) which light to indicate the level of charge from 0% up to 100% in increments of 20%. In alternative embodiments a small liquid crystal display or similar display may be used to indicate battery life. In yet other alternative embodiments, a touch-sensitive display may be used for all controls and indicators associated with the device, including the battery life indicator 168. In the preferred embodiment, however, LEDs are used.

The next element is the intensity selector 170. This selector 170 is a dial in the preferred embodiment. The dial may be used to increase the frequency of the vibration of the exercise device. In some embodiments, additional selectors may be provided for separate motors or in order to use a different motor such that the amplitude may also be adjusted. A series of LEDs act as an intensity indicator 172 to allow an individual to determine the intensity on a scale of 0 to 3. In alternative embodiments, as described above, a LCD or other screen may be provided as an alternative to the LEDs.

Finally, a power cord connector 174 is present on the control panel. The connector 174 is used to plug the exercise device into a wall socket for charging. In alternative embodiments, no batteries may be used and the device may be required to be plugged into a wall socket in order to provide power to the device. The battery compartment 176 is also visible on the face of the control panel. Batteries sufficient to power the device are enclosed behind the battery compartment 176. In alternative embodiments, as described above, batteries need not necessarily be used.

In the operation of the present invention, the padded exterior is applied to a part of the body. The user may then activate the motor or motors to initiate the vibration of the device. The user may select one or more levels of intensity, such as frequency or amplitude. As described above, amplitude selection requires a variable amplitude motor or the use of multiple motors. The user may then use the device to stretch, strength train or exercise. Once finished exercising, the user may deactivate the motor or motors and the vibration will end.

Accordingly, an exercise device including vibration-inducing means has been described. The present invention may be used for various forms of exercise, physical therapy, stretching, balance training and strength training. It is to be understood that the foregoing description has been made with respect to specific embodiments thereof for illustrative purposes only. The overall spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims, as defined in the foregoing description. 

1. An exercise device comprising: a padded exterior cover; an internal casing, fixed within said padded exterior cover; a first motor, fixed within said internal casing; a first motor shaft, extending outward from said first motor; and a first motor stabilizer, used to stabilize the rotation of said first motor shaft.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a first counterweight, used to generate vibration as said first motor shaft rotates.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said padded exterior cover includes a foam material.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein said foam material is coated in a water-resistant layer.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said padded exterior cover includes a soft cloth material.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, further including a removable exterior cover for said padded exterior cover.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first motor and said first motor shaft are arranged such that said first motor shaft extends parallel to the longest interior traverse of the exercise device.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a second motor, a second motor shaft and a second counterweight.
 9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said second motor shaft and said second counterweight are arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the exercise device.
 10. An exercise device comprising: a padded exterior; an internal casing, housed within said padded exterior, comprising: a. at least one motor; b. at least one motor shaft, extending through the internal casing; c. at least one motor stabilizer; and a control panel, affixed to the exterior of one end of said internal casing to enable control of said exercise device.
 11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said internal casing further comprises at least one battery.
 12. The exercise device of claim 10, further comprising at least one connection from an external power supply to said at least one motor.
 13. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said padded exterior includes foam.
 14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein said foam is coated in a water-resistant film.
 15. The exercise device of claim 10, further comprising a removable cover, surrounding the padded exterior.
 16. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said padded exterior has a cross-sectional shape consisting of one of the following: a. a circle; b. an egg; c. a square; d. a rectangle; e. a circle including various rounded protrusions along said padded exterior; f. a half-circle; g. a three-quarter circle; h. an oblong half-circle; i. a triangle; j. a wedge; k. a circle with a series of square-like protrusions; and l. a round-edged star.
 17. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said padded exterior has a three-dimensional shape consisting of one of the following: a. a tube; b. a cube; c. a rectangular cylinder; and d. a pyramid. 